Commission Approves a Forward Looking, Fiscally Responsible Budget

At last week's special session meeting of the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners, the commission approved the FY 2016-2017 county budget. While there are no drastic changes in the county's budget from last year, it is important to point out several items about this year's budget:

* It contains no tax increases of any kind.

* The property tax rate was lowered from $3.06 to $2.9589 due to the state-mandated reappraisal.

* The commission has again earmarked and will reserve ~$ 400,000 this year to go towards the future construction of high schools in Loretto and Summertown, a move which coupled with the steady paying down of old county debt will bring us closer to breaking ground in the years ahead.

* The budget also continues to earmark and reserve ~$ 400,000 this year for road repair , an investment that will help Donnie Joe Brown better maintain our roads in the years to come.

* Economic development and tourism efforts will see a 20% increase in funding this year, reflecting the county's strong commitment to continuing our economic progress and creating better economic opportunities for our citizens.

* Property tax relief for seniors has again been funded (supplemented) by the county, ensuring our seniors will not see a tax increase due to the State's decision to cut the program last year.

* Cuts and freezes on non-essential spending, allowing the county to invest in areas of importance.

In total, this budget, (which can be viewed on our official government website at http://lawrencecountytn.gov) represents a balanced approach to governing; ensuring fiscal responsibility for our taxpayers while at the same time making key investments in areas such as education, economic development and infrastructure which are key to our county's future success.

The approval of this year's budget is also the first time in two decades that the county has approved a budget by July 1st, a testament to the hard work and dedication of County Executive Williams, the county commission, our budget office, all of our departments as well as our school system. This is an accomplishment we can all be proud of.

By working together in common cause and focusing on solutions rather than partisan politics, our county is making steady progress. Let's continue to work together as a community in the months ahead so we can build on that progress and create a better Lawrence County for all citizens!

Chris D. Jackson

Chairman Pro-Tempore

Lawrence County, Tennessee Commission